The Heritage Series by Herbert Grammatikopoulos

The „Moods & Mazza“ exhibition is the 5th part of my Nepalese heritage series (1st at Siddhartha Gallery 2005: „Locks“, 2nd at Dhokaima, NAFA and British Council about doors, part of the „Khulla Dhoka“-project, 3rd about Swayambhou at Cafe Mitra, 2006; No. 4 on „Bells“ with Manish Lal Shrestha and the Poet Manjul at Gallery 32).

My central idea of the heritage series is, unlike to other artists, the search for unique human symbols and objects of certain societies, countries, ethnic, religious or political groups. I set these into a new context, so people can discover what they have in common. My focus is on what is unifying us on this planet, not so much, what is dividing us.
I present a specific tradition as a unique part of a global culture. To strengthen this, I mix different medias with other artists of similar intentions.

Heritage is much more than only objects or symbols – it’s about identity, dignity, identification with one’s own culture, society, traditions and many more. Even if you individually don’t like to follow certain traditions, a heritage object or symbol will always remind you of your roots.

What are common objects and symbols, not only ritual ones or of religious perposse, of people in one region, country, continent, religion, language or whatever all over the world?
Which bringing people of all kind together? Which belonging to „everybody“, not only to a specific group?
Dances and music for example can be found with every nation, every ethnic, every society, every religion around the world. Music touches everybody, everywhere. This sound of music is probably the most universal message in a common world-language which can be understood be absolutely everyone.

All of the photographs presented in this exhibition are taken at the venue of ‚Bhaktapur Night‘ 2006
September 2007
Herbert Grammatikopoulos